Rheumatoid Arthritis and Medical Cannabis
Medical Cannabis is an anti-inflammatory drug with a long history of use. Historical findings suggest its use by the early Chinese civilizations to manage pain owing to its vital chemicals and medicinal nature. Modern research proves that these compounds can help cope with various medical health conditions. Moreover, research has stated that medical cannabis can manage chronic pain and inflammation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. While Cannabis may be a valuable treatment for many with rheumatoid arthritis, careful consideration of marijuana use as a treatment option is crucial. In Florida, as per law, you must have a medical marijuana card Hialeah through proper consultation with an MMJ doctor to use this drug.
In this article, we will explain how you can use medical marijuana to manage rheumatoid arthritis in Florida.
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune illness that affects one or more joints in the body and causes inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and pain. In some cases, the illness may even harm the skin and cause eye infections, lung diseases, and cardiovascular issues.
Rheumatoid arthritis disrupts the natural healing process, leading to joint inflammation. This inflammation, like swelling from a bruise, causes stiffness, discomfort, and pain. Additionally, edema (fluid buildup) and fatigue may develop if left untreated.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune illness in which the patient’s immune system unintentionally attacks the body’s tissues. Unlike osteoarthritis, which causes damage through wear and tear, rheumatoid arthritis may damage the lining of joints.
Rheumatoid arthritis-related inflammation can also harm other bodily functions, resulting in limitations in movement and disability.
How Rheumatoid Arthritis affects joints
Rheumatoid arthritis can have various effects and cause varying symptoms in individuals. Some people may have joint problems for an extended period, which may worsen if treatment is not administered. On the other hand, some may experience quick progression of rheumatoid arthritis, with the severity of symptoms progressing rapidly.
Many people experience symptoms flares followed by periods with no symptoms at all (remission). Moreover, patients may experience pain during the morning or when they stay in the same posture for a prolonged period, for instance, sitting for hours. Fatigue can leave some patients feeling isolated due to limitations in their mobility.
How does rheumatoid arthritis affect day-to-day activities?
Rheumatoid arthritis causes pain, stiffness, tenderness, persistent swelling in multiple joints, weight loss, fever, fatigue, tiredness, and weakness. These symptoms can significantly affect your ability to function and handle daily tasks.
The unpredictable nature of a chronic condition, like RA, can alternate between remissions, where all or some symptoms disappear, and episodes of flares when joint inflammation increases the severity of symptoms. This unpredictability is physically and mentally challenging for the patients. The severity and unpredictable nature of flares might make it challenging to carry out regular duties during these times.
Many patients are likely to feel stress and anxiety, and the disease may also affect their relationships. Patients of RA often develop feelings of distress due to their inability to perform tasks like others.
Women with Rheumatoid Arthritis may feel uncomfortable while carrying out tasks requiring prolonged standing, leading to discontentment and more fatigue. Therefore, connecting with a health specialist is essential to controlling the symptoms and slowing the disease progression.
Medical Marijuana for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Medical cannabis contains several cannabinoids or chemical components, that affect the body’s ECS. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a network of the body’s fatty-based signaling chemicals. These neurotransmitters regulate the immune system’s attack on healthy tissue and keep the body at the right temperature.
Cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 are present all over the body and activate when cannabinoids from Cannabis, such as 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), interact with the ECS.
Research shows that in addition to changing how the body perceives pain when these receptors are active, cannabis also has some immunomodulatory effects, meaning it can influence the immune system. Some studies suggest it might suppress specific immune cell activity.
However, it is crucial to note that research is in its early stages and that more studies are required for further exploration.
Cannabis is available in several forms and strains on the market. Nonetheless, proper consultation with an experienced MMJ doctor is required before you can use marijuana products for your symptoms. A thorough health evaluation by a medical cannabis expert can prove to be helpful as they may recommend the most suitable form of cannabis alongside your traditional medication for fast recovery.
The Takeaway
To use medical marijuana for rheumatoid treatment, every patient must be evaluated by an experienced marijuana physician. It is a prerequisite for the state and the first step in completing the marijuana certification process. A qualified medical professional can decide if marijuana is suitable and safe for you to use for therapeutic purposes. Conclusively, you must locate a medical marijuana doctor Hialeah and get an MMJ card to use this healing drug for managing rheumatoid arthritis.